US Open Cup | The Guardianhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/us-open-cup
Latest news and features from theguardian.com, the world's leading liberal voiceen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2016Sat, 10 Dec 2016 01:16:52 GMT2016-12-10T01:16:52Zen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2016The Guardianhttps://assets.guim.co.uk/images/guardian-logo-rss.c45beb1bafa34b347ac333af2e6fe23f.pnghttps://www.theguardian.com
MLS weekend preview: Sounders and Galaxy ready for center stagehttps://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/oct/02/mls-weekend-preview-sounders-and-galaxy-ready-for-center-stage
<p>As a season defined by parity moves toward the final act, Giovinco continues to shine for Toronto while the Galaxy and New York City founder</p><p>Say what you like about MLS – and many people do, loudly, and at great length – but at least it’s competitive. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2013%E2%80%9314_Bundesliga">No Bayern-style 19-point winning margins here</a>: the 2015 season has been all about parity. A succession of teams have reach the summit of their respective conferences and then misplaced their crampons: Sporting, Vancouver and DC have all been toppled at various points this season, falling down like Michael Douglas in a white-collar shirt.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/sep/21/steven-gerrard-is-an-upsetting-presence-in-la-galaxys-midfield">Steven Gerrard is an upsetting presence in LA Galaxy's midfield</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/oct/02/mls-weekend-preview-sounders-and-galaxy-ready-for-center-stage">Continue reading...</a>MLSNew York Red BullsNew York City FCFootballSportUS sportsDC UnitedToronto FCChicago FireLA GalaxySeattle SoundersUS Open CupPhiladelphia UnionFri, 02 Oct 2015 08:30:08 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/oct/02/mls-weekend-preview-sounders-and-galaxy-ready-for-center-stagePhotograph: Robin Alam/ISI/CorbisPhotograph: Robin Alam/ISI/CorbisTim Hill2015-10-02T08:30:08ZUS Open Cup final: Sporting KC break Union hearts with shoot-out victoryhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/sep/30/us-open-cup-final-sporting-kc-break-union-hearts-with-shoot-out-victory
<ul><li>Philadelphia Union 1-1 Sporting KC (6-7 on pens)</li></ul><p>Philadelphia’s unfinished business remains unfinished. After a tense US Open Cup final at PPL Park, the Union lost a second consecutive US Open Cup final, going down 7-6 on penalties to a Sporting Kansas City team who’ve rather made a business of their own of winning trophies on penalties. This was their third such win in four years, and while it never quite reached the epic heights of their 2013 MLS Cup victory it was every bit as tight – with Sporting again having to come from a goal down in the second half to force extra-time and then penalties. </p><p> Philadelphia had marketed this game with the hashtag #unfinishedbusiness after the disappointment of their loss to Seattle last year, but the opening exchanges were business as usual given the recent history of these two teams. Perhaps having been in this position before, Sporting started with an air of composure as they looked to pick their passes through the Philadelphia lines. </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/sep/30/us-open-cup-final-sporting-kc-break-union-hearts-with-shoot-out-victory">Continue reading...</a>US Open CupPhiladelphia UnionSporting Kansas CityFootballUS sportsSportThu, 01 Oct 2015 02:34:57 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/sep/30/us-open-cup-final-sporting-kc-break-union-hearts-with-shoot-out-victoryPhotograph: John Sleezer/ZUMA Press/CorbisPhotograph: John Sleezer/ZUMA Press/CorbisGraham Parker at PPL Park2015-10-01T02:34:57ZUS Open Cup final 2015: Philadelphia Union v Sporting Kansas City – as it happenedhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2015/sep/30/us-open-cup-final-2015-philadelphia-union-v-sporting-kansas-live
<p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T02:01:04.838Z">3.01am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>Well folks, that is it. What a game. It had it all. Yellow cards, great goals, great penalties and a fantastic atmosphere. You have to feel for Philadelphia as for 60 minutes they had this game in the bag. But Sporting fought back and turned the whole game around. The penalty shootout was majestic as many great finishes were on display. In the end, Melia became the hero. Sporting’s goalie was my man of the match.</p><p>Congrats to Sporting Kansas City. US OPEN CUP 2015 CHAMPS.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T01:55:24.482Z">2.55am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>Sporting Kansas City win the 2015 US OPEN CUP on penalties</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T01:54:26.790Z">2.54am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>Goal! Quintilla scores! Sporting K.C win!!!!!</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T01:54:00.723Z">2.54am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>Sporting win with this goal...</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T01:53:43.798Z">2.53am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>Miss!!! Melia saves Wenger’s shot!</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T01:53:04.499Z">2.53am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>Goal! Ellis with another amazing penalty! And we’re still going sudden death</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T01:52:36.822Z">2.52am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>Goal! Philly up...</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T01:52:08.579Z">2.52am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>Goal! Zusi scores and we’re into another round of sudden death....these penalties by the way. so good.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T01:50:58.181Z">2.50am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>Goal! Lahoud scores for Philly!</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T01:50:14.201Z">2.50am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>Goal! Nagamura scores for Sporting and we’re going into sudden death...</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T01:49:18.877Z">2.49am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>Goal! Casey scores for Philly. They lead 4-3</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T01:48:31.816Z">2.48am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>Goal! Besler scores. 3-3....</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T01:47:46.307Z">2.47am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>Goal! Barnetta scores. 3-2 to Philadelphia.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T01:46:59.957Z">2.46am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>Miss! McCarthy saves the penalty!!! Advantage taken away! It’s still 2-2! </p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T01:46:25.720Z">2.46am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>Miss!!! Melia saves the penalty from Melia! 2-2 still...</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T01:45:30.465Z">2.45am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>Goal! Dwyer smashes it in. 2-2 in penalties.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T01:45:03.844Z">2.45am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>Goal! Nogueira scores. Union lead 2-1 in pens</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T01:44:23.379Z">2.44am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>1-1 in pens</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T01:43:07.034Z">2.43am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>Union lead 1-0 in penalties</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T01:41:21.422Z">2.41am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>Union will go first.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T01:39:04.773Z">2.39am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>Plot twist indeed. Take that Game Of Thrones...</p><p lang="en" dir="ltr">PLOT TWIST! John McCarthy entering the match for Andre Blake. McCarthy has saved four PKs in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USOC2015?src=hash">#USOC2015</a>. <a href="http://t.co/x6V7EXS0pf">pic.twitter.com/x6V7EXS0pf</a></p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T01:37:38.203Z">2.37am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>We’re going to pens!</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T01:37:04.037Z">2.37am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><b>120+1:</b> Huge goalie substitution as McCarthy comes on for Blake! Right from the books from Louis Van Gaal.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T01:35:32.462Z">2.35am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><b>119 min: </b>We’re almost at that moment, now. Conor Casey on the ground.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T01:33:23.186Z">2.33am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>117 min:</strong> A great chance for Union! A corner comes in and goes just wide but no need to worry as Melia had it covered. </p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T01:31:23.957Z">2.31am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>115 min:</strong> Wenger comes on for Sapong. Surely a penalty-thinking decision for Philly.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T01:29:50.144Z">2.29am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>114 min:</strong> Finally, Dwyer gets his chance inside the box, but it’s at a great reach for Blake. Keeper goes to the ground and saves it.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T01:28:42.677Z">2.28am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>You get a yellow! And you get a yellow!</p><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Everybody gets a yellow card! That's 10 on the night now. 1-1 into the 2nd half of ET. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USOC2015?src=hash">#USOC2015</a> <a href="http://t.co/efOVFbDyXg">pic.twitter.com/efOVFbDyXg</a></p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T01:27:11.773Z">2.27am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>111 min:</strong> Myers off. He’s physically done. Peterson on.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T01:25:59.501Z">2.25am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>110 min:</strong> Philly take a corner and bounces off of Myers but Melia collects.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T01:25:01.684Z">2.25am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>108 min: </strong>Nemeth enters the box but falls, claiming for a penalty but it was a weak appeal. Ref doesn’t buy it. Play on.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T01:22:06.517Z">2.22am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>106 min: Myers gets a yellow for a foul against Le Toux and we are officially in double figures for yellow cards, tonight.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T01:20:39.191Z">2.20am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>105 min: We’re back on. And so is Edu for Philly. He will continue. </p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T01:18:48.056Z">2.18am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>A quick turnaround as players get some treatment before the last 15 minutes. After that...penalties!</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T01:17:26.806Z">2.17am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><b>104 min:</b> Edu is down, in serious pain. </p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T01:15:49.934Z">2.15am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><b>102 min:</b> As the first half of extra-time approaches both teams are now showing fatigue as the approach is to long ball it. Some tired legs out there.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T01:11:33.081Z">2.11am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>98 min:</strong> There is no lack in effort here as both teams are still working so hard, it’s really quite outstanding. Both sides looking for the opposition to create a lapse of concentration. Still 1-1.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T01:08:00.313Z">2.08am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>94 min: </strong>Barnetta takes a free kick and as it bounces right in front of Melia, he struggles to hold on to it. Luckily, it’s cleared and crisis averted. </p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T01:04:57.104Z">2.04am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>92 min:</strong> Nemeth drops to the ground, in serious pain, holding his left foot.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T01:02:39.595Z">2.02am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>90 min: </strong>And we’re back.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T01:00:54.966Z">2.00am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>In case you are all wondering. It’s 30 minutes of extra time, then if it’s still square: penalties.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T00:58:38.378Z">1.58am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>And that’s it for normal time. We’re off to extra time.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T00:57:20.768Z">1.57am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>90 + 3 min: </strong>Both teams are still committing men forward and it is really refreshing to see. Sporting with an attack and a shot 25 yards out but goes too high. </p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T00:55:14.635Z">1.55am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>90 + 1: </strong>The ball is played in for Sapong. Keeper collects, but gets fouled by Sapong in the process. Ref books him. Awful call. </p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T00:53:33.550Z">1.53am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>90 min: </strong>We will have 4 minutes of stoppage time.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T00:50:28.659Z">1.50am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>85 min: </strong>Both teams playing a dangerous game as another yellow card comes up. This time, for Sporting’s Besler, as he fouls Sapong knowing he can’t catch him on the break. Both sides looking tired and restless. <strong> </strong></p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T00:46:23.933Z">1.46am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>The waiting game...</p><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Anticipation. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USOC2015?src=hash">#USOC2015</a> <a href="http://t.co/9KchZUHJ9K">pic.twitter.com/9KchZUHJ9K</a></p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T00:45:08.080Z">1.45am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>81 min: </strong>We’re in the last stages of regular time and Casey’s introduction has shifted the momentum for Philly. A corner is cleared away, but Casey gets the ball outside the box and just goes wide for a goal kick. It’s the Conor Casey show.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T00:42:13.657Z">1.42am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>78 min:</strong> Oh and what an impact that could have been for Casey, as he is faced one on one with the keeper but Melia blocks the shot. A great stop by the keeper!!!</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T00:41:08.696Z">1.41am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>76 min:</strong> Substitution for Union: Maidana off. Casey on.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T00:38:39.417Z">1.38am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>74 min:</strong> What an opportunity for Maidana. He found himself onside, with only the goalkeeper to beat, but he just couldn’t control the ball due to the slippery surface.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T00:34:50.246Z">1.34am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><b>71 min:</b> Booking for Sporting K.C’s Quintilla </p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T00:33:55.570Z">1.33am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>69 min: </strong>My, my...how the tables have turned. That goal has transformed Sporting into a much more confident side. Philadelphia, on the other hand, seem nervous and cautious.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T00:31:55.676Z">1.31am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>Hold on to that feeling...it’s getting feisty.</p><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I have a feeling that a red card will show up in this <a href="https://twitter.com/usopencup">@usopencup</a> Final. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USOC2015?src=hash">#USOC2015</a></p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T00:30:24.051Z">1.30am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>65 min: </strong>A great finish by Nemeth who curls it round the keeper, but Zusi became the architect, finding the Hungarian from the right hand side of the field. Game on. </p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T00:29:03.038Z">1.29am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>What a goal by the Hungarian forward!</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T00:25:15.768Z">1.25am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>60 min:</strong> Sporting are desperately trying to get back into this game, but a poor corner gets cleared and once again, they can’t capitalize. A big factor right now appears to be the field, as the rain has made it harder to control the ball under pressure. <br></p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T00:21:01.737Z">1.21am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>57 min: </strong>Booking: Yellow card for Barnetta.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T00:20:20.835Z">1.20am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>53 min: </strong>Maidan’s free-kick goes wide and Sporting push the game up the field trying to get back into this game. Zusi gets a corner, takes it, crosses it and Myers puts it in the back of the net but fouls Blake in the process. Good call by the ref! A foul against Sporting and Blake, after getting medical attention, slowly gets up. He looks shaken up, but will continue. It really seemed like a concussion.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T00:15:31.723Z">1.15am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>52 min: Fabinho gets fouled just outside the box. Ellis, already on a yellow, is the culprit and Maidana gets ready to take it.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T00:13:32.950Z">1.13am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><b>49 min:</b> Philadelphia offering more of the same as they keep attacking Sporting’s half. A free-kick 35 yards out is cleared by K.C and a poor counter-attacking attempt is collected by the Union. Surprisingly, K.C still looks lost.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T00:08:19.662Z">1.08am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>46 min: </strong>We’re back on. No changes.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-10-01T00:04:28.058Z">1.04am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>You sir....deserve a medal.</p><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Got the bar to change the TV to the second half of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USOC2015?src=hash">#USOC2015</a></p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-09-30T23:57:16.355Z">12.57am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>Well, to be honest, Philadelphia are not playing like underdogs, in any way shape or form. They have been strong, consistent and Maidana is playing like a Iniesta, right now. The thought is that nothing should change in the second. For Sporting K.C, it’s the complete opposite. There is no sense of urgency and Edu and Union’s midfield has completely nullified any sense of creativity by Sporting. I’ll be back in the second half for more action!</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-09-30T23:53:13.040Z">12.53am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>And that’s the whistle.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-09-30T23:51:40.107Z">12.51am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>43 min:</strong> It was a great chance for Sporting as a cross comes in from a set piece, but Nemeth’s header is just not strong enough and Blake deals with it. Probably the best chance for Sporting so far in the game.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-09-30T23:49:02.860Z">12.49am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>Absolutely....</p><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Love seeing <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USOC2015?src=hash">#USOC2015</a> as #8 trending topic in US. Tune into ESPN2 now to watch. <a href="https://twitter.com/opencup">@opencup</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/usopencup">@usopencup</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/soccer?src=hash">#soccer</a></p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-09-30T23:45:32.488Z">12.45am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>37 min:</strong> Philadelphia are pouring it on right now as Maidana once again finds Nogueira in the box, but Besler comes to the rescue and clears. It’s all Union, right now.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-09-30T23:43:04.525Z">12.43am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>min 34: </strong>Sporting K.C are struggling with Philly’s midfield as Edu offers a lot of protection for the the Union. Things need to change for Sporting, from an attacking perspective. </p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-09-30T23:38:15.066Z">12.38am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>min 30: Sapong collides with Mustivar and lies on the ground, gingerly. He gets up and carries on. Maidana has been the difference here. The Argentine has been pulling all the strings so far. The score remains 1-0 to Philadelphia.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-09-30T23:35:30.069Z">12.35am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>From Jacob Kountz:</p><p>“The assist for that goal was the best moment of my day so far.”</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-09-30T23:33:00.675Z">12.33am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>What. A. Goal. Maidana, who has been the best player on the pitch so far, plays a ridiculous 35 yard pass to Sebastian Le Toux who calmly puts it in the bottom left corner</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-09-30T23:28:11.899Z">12.28am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>Lahoud gets a yellow.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-09-30T23:27:37.987Z">12.27am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>I think they’re reading your mind...</p><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Not a bad idea for Edu to play over the top every so often and see whether Ellis can cope in the air. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USOC2015?src=hash">#USOC2015</a></p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-09-30T23:27:06.028Z">12.27am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>min 19:</strong> Maidana crosses the ball high in the box from the right hand side and Sapong with a fantastic overhead attempt but again, straight into the arms of the keeper.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-09-30T23:23:18.763Z">12.23am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>min 15:</strong> What a chance by Sapong! The deep ball into the box not cleared by KC’s backline and all he had to do was place it in the corner, but alas, it’s a soft shot straight into the arms of Melia. Was Sapong feeling sorry for his old team? </p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-09-30T23:19:26.354Z">12.19am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>min 10:</strong> Well, well, well. All it takes is a big of criticism and they wake up. Sporting with a legitimate opportunity as a great cross by Zuzi, and Nagamura takes a low shot inside of the post and Blake can count his lucky stars as it ends up in his hands.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-09-30T23:14:36.494Z">12.14am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>A bit harsh</p><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Soccer in America has not progressed if Ted Unkel is refereeing a cup final. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USOC2015?src=hash">#USOC2015</a></p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-09-30T23:13:01.616Z">12.13am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>min 5</strong>: Sporting slowly getting back into the game but still offering very little in attack. Philadelphia look composed and calm, especially at the back.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-09-30T23:10:15.588Z">12.10am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p><strong>min 2:</strong> A cagey start for both teams was disrupted by the first major attack from the Union. Maidana crosses in a corner and a low shot is saved by Melia. Good start by Philly. Sloppy by KC.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-09-30T23:06:30.570Z">12.06am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>And we’re off!</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-09-30T23:02:59.214Z">12.02am <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>It’s a rainy day in Philadelphia....teams are on the field, and ready to go.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-09-30T22:56:57.924Z">11.56pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>We are minutes away from kick-off! In the meantime check out all the history from this great tournament from MLS’s website. And remember, feel free to email me: luis.miguel.echegaray@guardian.co.uk or you can send me a tweet @lmechegaray</p><p lang="en" dir="ltr">At the time of the first <a href="https://twitter.com/opencup">@opencup</a> final, Aston Villa were the most successful team in England <a href="http://t.co/IfRNMQqMcM">http://t.co/IfRNMQqMcM</a> <a href="http://t.co/ziV6h771vy">pic.twitter.com/ziV6h771vy</a></p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-09-30T22:49:45.134Z">11.49pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>Taylor’s pumped.</p><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Something really special about <a href="https://twitter.com/usopencup">@usopencup</a>....the open tournament for all shapes and sizes here in the states makes it special. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PHLvSKC?src=hash">#PHLvSKC</a></p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-09-30T22:46:42.367Z">11.46pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>Good point:</p><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Said before and will say again: All of you who have screamed for <a href="https://twitter.com/usopencup">@usopencup</a> TV coverage, this is your shot. Prove that the demand exists.</p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-09-30T22:39:49.564Z">11.39pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>Hello everyone and welcome to the U.S Open Cup Final between Philadelphia Union and Sporting Kansas City! This is a big night for both teams and for many different reasons. For Philly, this is the chance to make history as they are looking for their very first piece of silverware. It’s also - as our very own <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/sep/30/us-open-cup-final-philadelphia-union-sporting-kc">Graham Parker stated</a> - a time for redemption. As for Sporting, the last time they won the tournament was back in 2012 in front of their home crowd against Seattle in an exciting penalty shoot-out.</p><p>Allow me to offer some obvious metaphorical significance to the evening (and make fun of me in the process) Tonight is a Rocky-esque event as the Union is clearly playing the role of the underdog. They are not a flashy team, not like their Eastern rivals in New York, flashing all that Pirlo-Lampard-Villa cash….they are the everyman, the hard-working….ok you get the point.</p><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tonight's Starting XI vs. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SKC?src=hash">#SKC</a>: Substitutes: McCarthy, Vitoria, Creavalle, Carroll, Ayuk, Wenger, Casey. <a href="http://t.co/00XeTAIS92">pic.twitter.com/00XeTAIS92</a></p><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SportingKC?src=hash">#SportingKC</a>'s starting XI for tonight's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USOC2015?src=hash">#USOC2015</a> Final. 6pm kickoff on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ESPN2?src=hash">#ESPN2</a> and UDN. <a href="http://t.co/ExeYQGGwUo">http://t.co/ExeYQGGwUo</a> <a href="http://t.co/zYS01TJS7Z">pic.twitter.com/zYS01TJS7Z</a></p><p class="block-time published-time"> <time datetime="2015-09-30T15:46:54.601Z">4.46pm <span class="timezone">BST</span></time> </p><p>Luis will be here shortly. In the meantime, here’s Graham Parker’s preview of tonight’s game:</p><p>The hashtag <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/philadelphia-union">Philadelphia Union</a> have been using to preview Wednesday night’s US Open Cup final against Sporting KC is #unfinishedbusiness – a reference not only to the Union’s loss at home in last year’s final against Seattle, but the semi-final defeat to Sporting in 2012, also at PPL Park.</p><p>Sporting went on to win the trophy that year – securing the first silverware of the Peter Vermes era – while Philadelphia have yet to win any trophy in their short history. They’re anxious to shed that record, and after a sometimes charmed run through this tournament it’s possible to believe that this just might be their year.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2015/sep/30/us-open-cup-final-2015-philadelphia-union-v-sporting-kansas-live">Continue reading...</a>US Open CupFootballUS sportsPhiladelphia UnionSporting Kansas CitySportThu, 01 Oct 2015 02:01:04 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2015/sep/30/us-open-cup-final-2015-philadelphia-union-v-sporting-kansas-livePhotograph: Jill Toyoshiba/APPhotograph: Jill Toyoshiba/APLuis Miguel Echegaray2015-10-01T02:01:04ZSports quiz of the week: US Open, Anthony Martial and transfer madnesshttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/sep/04/sports-quiz--week-us-open-anthony-martial-transfer-window
<p>This week’s quiz was waiting for a big-money move. But the offer never came</p><ul><li><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/sep/02/transfer-quiz-where-are-they-now">Transfer quiz: where are they now?</a><br></li></ul> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/sep/04/sports-quiz--week-us-open-anthony-martial-transfer-window">Continue reading...</a>SportFootballTransfer windowTennisUS Open CupPremier LeagueSerena WilliamsUS sportsFri, 04 Sep 2015 14:47:51 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/sep/04/sports-quiz--week-us-open-anthony-martial-transfer-windowPhotograph: Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty ImagesPaul Campbell2015-09-04T14:47:51ZUS Open Cup: Union and Sporting KC into final with very different ambitionshttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/aug/13/us-open-cup-union-and-sporting-kc-into-final-with-very-different-ambitions
<p>Philadelphia and Kansas City are both one game from glory but their motivations for victory are in stark contrast<br></p><p>Philadelphia Union and Sporting Kansas City reached the US Open Cup final on Wednesday night, setting up a repeat of the 2012 semi-final, on an evening where the eliminated Chicago Fire and Real Salt Lake saw their prospects for taking anything from disappointing MLS seasons diminish markedly.</p><p>Chicago lost on the road to the Union thanks to a 74th minute Sebastien Le Toux goal (Le Toux is now the leading goalscorer of the MLS era in the competition) and the one-time US Open Cup specialists now return to a domestic MLS campaign where they find themselves on the bottom of the Eastern Conference with games running out. </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/aug/09/giovani-dos-santos-outshines-lampard-and-pirlo-as-big-beasts-enter-mls-fray">Giovani dos Santos outshines Lampard and Pirlo as big beasts enter MLS fray</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/aug/13/us-open-cup-union-and-sporting-kc-into-final-with-very-different-ambitions">Continue reading...</a>US Open CupPhiladelphia UnionSporting Kansas CityChicago FireReal Salt LakeUS sportsFootballSportThu, 13 Aug 2015 11:15:10 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/aug/13/us-open-cup-union-and-sporting-kc-into-final-with-very-different-ambitionsPhotograph: Yong Kim/APPhotograph: Yong Kim/APGraham Parker2015-08-13T11:15:10ZUS Open Cup: Sporting KC hammer FC Dallas, and Kaka stars for Orlando Cityhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jul/02/us-open-cup-sporting-kc-kaka-orlando-city
<p>Eight MLS teams will contest the US Open Cup quarter-finals after NASL’s Cosmos are beaten by the Red Bulls and Charlotte Independence lose to Chicago</p><p>The last of the lower-league opposition exited the US Open Cup this week, as the competition narrowed to the quarter-final stage with eight MLS teams left competing for the trophy. Four goals from Dom Dwyer in Sporting KC’s 6-2 hammering of Dallas, and New York Red Bulls completing a local double with a 4-1 victory over the New York Cosmos, were the highlights of the round.</p><p>The Cosmos were the only remaining NASL side in the competition, having seen off NYCFC at home in the last round, but facing a Red Bulls team who have vowed to take this competition seriously under Jesse Marsch’s watch, they fell behind early and were already well beaten by the time Mike Grella rounded off the scoring in stoppage time. After the Red Bulls’ emphatic defeat of NYCFC at the weekend, New York (or New Jersey, anyway) is red this week.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jul/02/us-open-cup-sporting-kc-kaka-orlando-city">Continue reading...</a>US Open CupMLSUS sportsFootballSportThu, 02 Jul 2015 15:27:38 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jul/02/us-open-cup-sporting-kc-kaka-orlando-cityPhotograph: John Raoux/APPhotograph: John Raoux/APGraham Parker2015-07-02T15:27:38ZUS Open Cup talking points: Cosmos beat NYCFC in latest round of #NYSoccerWarzhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/jun/18/us-open-cup-talking-points-cosmos-beat-nycfc-in-latest-round-of-nysoccerwarz
<ul><li>Portland beat seven-man holders Seattle amid chaotic scenes</li><li>New York Cosmos knock out NYCFC from 2-0 down</li><li>Sporting KC set attendance record for tournament</li><li>Nearly all MLS sides survive to round of 16</li></ul><p>The US Open Cup has been through more format changes than it cares to count but in recent years, with MLS expansion, the fourth round has come to be something close in spirit to the third round of the English FA Cup. It’s the moment when the US-based MLS teams enter the competition, and in particularly entertaining years, when many of them leave it (the 2012 edition, when amateurs Cal FC dumped out Portland Timbers in front of their own fans, as only one of several shocks, remains a classic of the genre).</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/jun/17/will-us-soccer-dare-make-an-example-of-clint-dempsey">Will US Soccer dare make an example of Clint Dempsey?</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/jun/18/us-open-cup-talking-points-cosmos-beat-nycfc-in-latest-round-of-nysoccerwarz">Continue reading...</a>US Open CupMLSFootballSportUS sportsSeattle SoundersNew York CosmosNew York City FCThu, 18 Jun 2015 11:27:14 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/jun/18/us-open-cup-talking-points-cosmos-beat-nycfc-in-latest-round-of-nysoccerwarzPhotograph: Erika Schultz/APPhotograph: Erika Schultz/APGraham Parker2015-06-18T11:27:14ZWill US Soccer dare make an example of Clint Dempsey?https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/jun/17/will-us-soccer-dare-make-an-example-of-clint-dempsey
<p>The Sounders striker has put US Soccer in an awkward position, where it needs to balance discipline with the interests of the game in America<br></p><p>So how does US Soccer deal with
<strike>
Hope Solo
</strike> Clint Dempsey? </p><p>Just a few hours after the US women’s team and <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/15/us-soccer-hope-solo-nfl">their controversy-dogged but apparently indispensable goalkeeper</a> had secured their passage into the knockout stages of the World Cup, <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/17/clint-dempsey-tears-up-refs-notebook-and-is-sent-off-in-brilliant-meltdown">the US men’s team captain was tearing up a referee’s notebook</a>, stalking off the field, sarcastically applauding an inch from the face of the assistant referee as he did so, and spitting in a manner that, to the neutral at least, looked distinctly editorial.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/17/clint-dempsey-tears-up-refs-notebook-and-is-sent-off-in-brilliant-meltdown">Clint Dempsey tears up ref's notebook and is sent off as Seattle Sounders slump</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/15/us-soccer-hope-solo-nfl">US Soccer has failed over Hope Solo –&nbsp;but it shouldn't just ape the NFL</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/jun/17/will-us-soccer-dare-make-an-example-of-clint-dempsey">Continue reading...</a>USAMLSUS Open CupFootballSportUS sportsSeattle SoundersWed, 17 Jun 2015 20:05:31 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/jun/17/will-us-soccer-dare-make-an-example-of-clint-dempseyPhotograph: Erika Schultz/APPhotograph: Erika Schultz/APGraham Parker2015-06-17T20:05:31ZClint Dempsey tears up ref's notebook and is sent off as Seattle Sounders slumphttps://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/17/clint-dempsey-tears-up-refs-notebook-and-is-sent-off-in-brilliant-meltdown
<ul><li>Seattle Sounders finish game with seven men</li><li>‘Our guys played like lions’, says coach<br></li></ul><p>If you’re going to go down, go down in flames. Maybe with a few explosions in the background. And while giving the finger to The Man while you’re at it. That appears to be the philosophy of USA captain Clint Dempsey, anyway.<br></p><p>Dempsey was shown a red card after ripping up the referee’s notebook during extra time of Tuesday’s loss to the Portland Timbers in the fourth round of the US Open Cup.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/17/clint-dempsey-tears-up-refs-notebook-and-is-sent-off-in-brilliant-meltdown">Continue reading...</a>Seattle SoundersUS Open CupFootballPortland TimbersUS sportsSportWed, 17 Jun 2015 15:13:32 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/17/clint-dempsey-tears-up-refs-notebook-and-is-sent-off-in-brilliant-meltdownPhotograph: APPhotograph: APGuardian sport2015-06-17T15:13:32ZClint Dempsey sent off and rips up referee's notebook – videohttps://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2015/jun/17/clint-dempsey-video-sending-off
Clint Dempsey made an impact during the Seattle Sounders' US Open Cup tie with rivals the Portland Timbers. The USA captain was angered after a team-mate was sent off and flicked the notebook out of the ref's hands. The Sounders finished the game with seven men, as they lost the game 3-1 <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2015/jun/17/clint-dempsey-video-sending-off">Continue reading...</a>Seattle SoundersFootballUS Open CupMLSSportUS sportsWed, 17 Jun 2015 13:56:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2015/jun/17/clint-dempsey-video-sending-offPhotograph: YouTubeClinton Dempsey sent off Photograph: YouTubePhotograph: YouTubeClinton Dempsey sent off Photograph: YouTubeGuardian Staff2015-06-17T13:56:00ZWill a pub team beat US soccer's best in the Open Cup?https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/may/13/will-a-pub-team-beat-us-soccers-best-in-the-open-cup
<p>Harpo’s FC were formed in a bar 18 years ago but now they’re proving there is life beyond the professional ranks<br></p><p>The age of romance in British football can often seem almost sepia-toned— or at least bedecked in the clobber associated with early 90s indie music, the last age perhaps when the fashion of the terraces was not dominated by the game’s commercial arm. For better or worse, that culture could be seen replicated more tangibly on the field too, football’s organic, working-class roots on display in the form of a more industrial football identity, a time when the moneyed class of world football had yet to uniformly take over the game.<br></p><p>Perhaps the one remaining hotbed of the game’s everyman spirit rests in the FA Cup, where a team from the lowest reaches of the English soccer pyramid can technically progress through the qualifying rounds and eventually hope to meet a big club from the game’s upper reaches. If they dare to wonder: a Liverpool or a Manchester United. If they dream big, a giant-killing, an against-the-odds humbling of the sort that sends blood rushing to the fingertips of back-page headline writers at tabloid newspapers.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/may/13/will-a-pub-team-beat-us-soccers-best-in-the-open-cup">Continue reading...</a>US Open CupFootballSportUS sportsWed, 13 May 2015 10:00:08 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/may/13/will-a-pub-team-beat-us-soccers-best-in-the-open-cupPhotograph: Richard Laemming Wheeler /Pockets of PeacePhotograph: Richard Laemming Wheeler /Pockets of PeaceBryan Kay2015-05-13T10:00:08ZPhiladelphia Union 1-3 Seattle Sounders | US Open Cup finalhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/sep/17/us-open-cup-final-seattle-sounders-philadelphia-union
<ul><li>Philadelphia Union 1 (Edu 38’)</li><li>Seattle Sounders 3 (Barrett 48’, Dempsey 101’, Martins 113’)</li><li>Sounders win fourth US Open Cup in six years</li><li>Extra time goals from Dempsey and Martins win game</li></ul><p>Seattle Sounders are US Open Cup Champions again, for the fourth time in six years. After trailing Philadelphia Union in a physical final, the Sounders eventually made their class in front of goal count, as extra time goals by Clint Dempsey and Obafemi Martins brought the trophy back to Seattle. </p><p>It leaves the current leaders of the Supporters Shield standings, and only team to have already confirmed a playoff place, still on target for a historical treble of regular season, Open Cup and MLS Cup titles.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/sep/17/us-open-cup-final-seattle-sounders-philadelphia-union">Continue reading...</a>US Open CupMLSFootballSportUS sportsPhiladelphia UnionSeattle SoundersWed, 17 Sep 2014 02:49:40 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/sep/17/us-open-cup-final-seattle-sounders-philadelphia-unionPhotograph: Michael Perez/APSeattle Sounders FC defender Zach Scott kicks the ball away from Philadelphia Union forward Sebastien Le Toux.Photograph: Michael Perez/APSeattle Sounders FC defender Zach Scott kicks the ball away from Philadelphia Union forward Sebastien Le Toux.Graham Parker at PPL Park, Chester PA2014-09-17T02:49:40ZDeAndre Yedlin marks Spurs move by helping Seattle douse Chicago Firehttps://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/aug/14/deandre-yedlin-spurs-seattle-sounders
<p>• Sounders right-back starts 6-0 Open Cup rout of Chicago<br>• Player confirms multiple offers after strong World Cup<br><br>• <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/aug/14/premier-league-preview-nbc-pundits#start-of-comments">EPL: NBC pundits predict Manchester United resurgence</a><br>• <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/series/premier-league-2014-15-previews">Guardian Premier League previews 2014-15</a><br>• <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2014/aug/14/premier-league-2014-15-tactical-guide">Michael Cox’s tactical guide to all 20 teams</a></p><p>What drama remained in the day when Seattle kicked off on Wednesday night left the match early, the Sounders scoring twice in the first 33 minutes of a 6-0 US Open Cup semi-final thrashing of the Chicago Fire. The day’s main story, however, had played out well before kick-off, as a player who has become a symbol of US soccer’s potential secured an unprecedented move.</p><p>“It’s kind of refreshing just to get it all over with,” DeAndre Yedlin confessed after the game, confirming that he had had his choice of multiple offers before concluding his transfer to <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/aug/13/deandre-yedlin-signs-tottenham-hotspur-seattle-sounders">Tottenham Hotspur</a>. “When [negotiations] started off, it was pretty exciting, but as time when on and on, just not knowing where you were going to be, it gets a little bit stressful.”</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/aug/14/deandre-yedlin-spurs-seattle-sounders">Continue reading...</a>Seattle SoundersUS Open CupMLSTottenham HotspurPremier LeagueTransfer windowChicago FireFC DallasPhiladelphia UnionUS sportsSportFootballThu, 14 Aug 2014 14:38:58 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/aug/14/deandre-yedlin-spurs-seattle-soundersPhotograph: Tottenham Hotspur via Action Images/Action ImagesDeAndre Yedlin signs for Tottenham Hotspur. Photograph: Tottenham Hotspur via Action Images/Action ImagesPhotograph: Tottenham Hotspur via Action Images/Action ImagesDeAndre Yedlin signs for Tottenham Hotspur. Photograph: Tottenham Hotspur via Action Images/Action ImagesRichard Farley in Tukwila, Washington2014-08-14T14:38:58ZUS Open Cup has all-MLS last four as Railhawks and Silverbacks fallhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jul/10/us-open-cup-mls-railhawks-silverbacks
<p>• Carolina fall to Dallas, Atlanta beaten by Chicago<br>• Union beat Revolution and dust storm to progress</p><p>A battle of the Open Cup specialists of the MLS era looms in the semi-finals of this year's competition, as the Chicago Fire and Seattle Sounders won their quarter-finals and Philadelphia Union survived some extreme weather to book a trip to FC Dallas.<br>Dallas negotiated a trip to face the NASL's Carolina Railhawks, who had beaten a full-strength LA Galaxy in the previous round and Chivas USA before that. </p><p>It's one of the quirks of the Open Cup's broadly regional organisation in the early rounds that the Railhawks often find themselves hosting, and beating, western MLS opposition. Before the Galaxy defeat, Landon Donovan had complained of his team being "sick" of traveling across country to be beaten by the North Carolina team.<br>If there was doubt about the outcome in Dallas minds it didn't show, even when the Railhawks took a ninth-minute lead through Zach Schilawski. Two late goals might have put a gloss on the 5-2 scoreline but in truth, after Fabian Castillo's 44th-minute goal to make it 3-2, Dallas never looked in trouble.<br>Dallas will now host the Union, whose Open Cup goalscoring specialist Sebastien Le Toux broke the modern-era tournament record in a 2-0 victory over New England. It took a while – a violent dust storm accompanied by thunder and lightning saw the game halted for an hour in the 61st minute, before Philadelphia, 2012 semi-finalists, saw the game out.<br>The other NASL team left in the quarter-finals, the Atlanta Silverbacks, gave Chicago a scare in the first half, with the Fire grateful for goalkeeper Sean Johnson. Indeed it was only when Atlanta tired late on that Chicago were able to pull away, thanks to a Jeff Larentowicz penalty and a goal from Alex in the final 10 minutes.<br>The Fire are one of the MLS teams who consistently emphasise the importance of an Open Cup they won as part of a double in their first year of MLS play, back in 1998. They will meet like minds in Seattle, whose three-year winning streak was ended by Sporting Kansas City in 2012. The Sounders fell early last year, but have been determined to recapture the Open Cup, and beat rivals the Portland Timbers last night in front of rather fewer fans than the 67,000 expected for Sunday's televised league game.<br>In a tight match that was forced into extra time by Darlington Nagbe's injury time leveller after Ossie Alonso's second-half goal, the difference was an extra-time red card to Diego Chara. Goals from Kenny Cooper and Marco Pappa eased the Sounders through to host Chicago.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jul/10/us-open-cup-mls-railhawks-silverbacks">Continue reading...</a>FootballUS sportsMLSSportPhiladelphia UnionNew England RevolutionFC DallasSeattle SoundersChicago FirePortland TimbersUS Open CupThu, 10 Jul 2014 14:04:09 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jul/10/us-open-cup-mls-railhawks-silverbacksPhotograph: Yong Kim/APPhiladelphia's Conor Casey, second left, celebrates a goal against the New England Revolution. Photograph: Yong Kim/APPhotograph: Yong Kim/APPhiladelphia's Conor Casey, second left, celebrates a goal against the New England Revolution. Photograph: Yong Kim/APGraham Parker2014-07-10T14:04:09ZLandon Donovan out of the Cup — againhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jun/25/landon-donovan-out-us-open-cup-again
<ul><li>Fifth Round of US Open Cup gets under way<br></li><li>New York Cosmos run ends in Philadelphia</li><li>Landon Donovan's LA Galaxy fall to NASL Carolina Railhawks</li><li>Atlanta Silverbacks hold on to shock Colorado Rapids</li></ul><p>Landon Donovan entered the Cup on Tuesday night, though not the one he might have hoped to be gracing a month ago. As his erstwhile national team colleagues rested up in Brazil, after their dramatic World Cup game with Portugal had become <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jun/23/usa-v-portugal-most-viewed-soccer-match-ever-us">the most-watched soccer game in US history,</a> Donovan was appearing in front of a relative handful of fans in a US Open Cup game at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina.</p><p>Not that these more modest Cup dreams fared any better, as despite a 63rd minute substitute appearance by Donovan, an LA Galaxy side packed with starters crashed out in extra time to the NASL side Carolina Railhawks.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jun/25/landon-donovan-out-us-open-cup-again">Continue reading...</a>US Open CupFootballUS sportsSportMLSLA GalaxyHouston DynamoFC DallasNew York CosmosSporting Kansas CityPortland TimbersChicago FireColumbus CrewWed, 25 Jun 2014 14:57:07 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jun/25/landon-donovan-out-us-open-cup-againPhotograph: AMR ABDALLAH DALSH/REUTERSFour years and a day after celebrating one of the most famous goals in US Soccer history, Landon Donovan was appearing as a substitute for LA Galaxy. Photo: Amr Abdallah Dalsh /ReutersPhotograph: AMR ABDALLAH DALSH/REUTERSFour years and a day after celebrating one of the most famous goals in US Soccer history, Landon Donovan was appearing as a substitute for LA Galaxy. Photo: Amr Abdallah Dalsh /ReutersGraham Parker2014-06-25T14:57:07ZNew York Cosmos 3-0 New York Red Bullshttps://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jun/15/new-york-cosmos-3-0-new-york-red-bulls
<ul><li>Red Bulls humbled as Cosmos win "Battle for New York"<br></li><li>Mads Stokkelien brace sets Cosmos up for bragging rights</li></ul><p>In the end it wasn't even close. Two Mads Stokkelien goals, and another from Alessandro Noselli, gave the NASL side New York Cosmos a memorable night in New York, as they beat the MLS New York Red Bulls 3-0 at Shuart Stadium, to advance to the next round of the US Open Cup. </p><p>The Red Bulls may have got their excuses in early, with a studied public indifference about Saturday night's game, which their hosts had billed as the "battle for New York" — but in truth they had little to complain about as the Cosmos outshot them 21-3, including the three that mattered. The Red Bulls found themselves well beaten by a spirited and organized Cosmos team, who may soon find themselves sidelined by the Red Bulls incipient MLS rivalry with New York City FC, but will enter that era, they will believe, as the unofficial champions of the city.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jun/15/new-york-cosmos-3-0-new-york-red-bulls">Continue reading...</a>US Open CupNew York Red BullsNew York CosmosFootballUS sportsSportSun, 15 Jun 2014 04:34:03 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jun/15/new-york-cosmos-3-0-new-york-red-bullsPhotograph: Kathleen Malone Van Dyke/APNew York Cosmos' Mads Stokkelien scored twice as the Cosmos defeated New York Red Bulls Photograph: Kathleen Malone Van Dyke/APPhotograph: Kathleen Malone Van Dyke/APNew York Cosmos' Mads Stokkelien scored twice as the Cosmos defeated New York Red Bulls Photograph: Kathleen Malone Van Dyke/APGraham Parker at Shuart Stadium2014-06-15T04:34:03ZNew York, New York: wonderful town awaits Cosmos-Red Bulls clash | Graham Parkerhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jun/14/new-york-wonderful-town-cosmos-red-bulls
<p>The US Open Cup has thrown up a battle for the Big Apple, a year before the Yankees-backed NYCFC arrive on the scene</p><p>While the footballing world fixes its eyes on Brazil, a much more local soccer rivalry will be officially inaugurated in New York on Saturday night, as the New York Cosmos host New York Red Bulls in <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2012/may/30/us-open-lamar-hunt-cup-round-3">the US Open Cup</a>.</p><p>A year before the debut of the Yankees-backed <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/new-york-city-fc">New York City FC</a>, it will be the first meeting between two professional New York soccer teams.</p><p>“If we were playing any other team in the NASL from a different state or something I wouldn’t be getting these same questions … I’m gonna make sure that my guys are up for it but obviously this is a huge, huge thing for the Cosmos and the NASL. </p><p>It’s a huge thing for us only in the fact that we want to win a game and we want to advance in the competition.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jun/14/new-york-wonderful-town-cosmos-red-bulls">Continue reading...</a>US Open CupMLSFootballSportUS sportsNew York Red BullsNew York CosmosSat, 14 Jun 2014 12:00:12 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jun/14/new-york-wonderful-town-cosmos-red-bullsPhotograph: David Maher / SPORTSFILE/ David Maher / SPORTSFILE/SPORTSFILE/CorbisRed Bulls head coach Mike Petke, centre, has plenty to ponder. Photo: David Maher/SportsfilePhotograph: David Maher / SPORTSFILE/ David Maher / SPORTSFILE/SPORTSFILE/CorbisRed Bulls head coach Mike Petke, centre, has plenty to ponder. Photo: David Maher/SportsfileGraham Parker in New York2014-06-14T12:00:12ZDC United surprise winners of 100th US Open Cuphttps://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/oct/02/dc-united-win-us-open-cup-lewis-neal
DC United upset Real Salt Lake 1-0 in Utah to claim trophy and a place in Concacaf Champions League<p>Major League Soccer's basement team, DC United, claimed the 100th US Open Cup with a 1-0 upset at Real Salt Lake. Lewis Neal scored the only goal to claim the trophy and a place in next season's Concacaf Champions League.</p><p>DC arrived in Utah with the odds stacked against them — in the MLS era, only three of the league's teams had won the Open Cup on the road. And D.C.'s 2013 road form hardly suggested they were going to buck the trend — they came into the game winless on their travels and with only six goals scored to 29 conceded. Asked the day before the game if they'd park the bus against a home side challenging for this year's Supporters Shield, Dwayne de Rosario insisted that, "No — it's a final." </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/oct/02/dc-united-win-us-open-cup-lewis-neal">Continue reading...</a>US Open CupMLSDC UnitedReal Salt LakeFootballUS sportsSportWed, 02 Oct 2013 13:13:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/oct/02/dc-united-win-us-open-cup-lewis-nealPhotograph: Leah Hogsten/APDC United's Lewis Neal celebrates his matchwinner against Real Salt Lake in the US Open Cup final, in Sandy, Utah. Photograph: Leah Hogsten/AP/The Salt Lake TribunePhotograph: Leah Hogsten/APDC United's Lewis Neal celebrates his matchwinner against Real Salt Lake in the US Open Cup final, in Sandy, Utah. Photograph: Leah Hogsten/AP/The Salt Lake TribuneGraham Parker at Rio Tinto Stadium2013-10-02T13:13:00ZReal Salt Lake vs DC United: 100th US Open Cup final preview | Graham Parkerhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/oct/01/dc-united-rsl-us-open-cup-100-years-preview
Real Salt Lake look for first ever cup win at home, while DC United have one-off game to rescue poor season and claim a place in Champions League<p>The US Open Cup, whose centennial final is played tonight between Real Salt Lake and DC United, enjoys a reputation as a tournament for the die-hards and the romantics. Despite being the third oldest continuously run cup competition in world soccer, it doesn't experience anything like the attention of the FA Cup, though this year at least, in the struggling DC United (bottom of the MLS pile this season, while reaching the final of the Open Cup), it does have something like a "Wigan".</p><p>With the battle to establish soccer in this country having been just that — a battle — for much of <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2012/may/30/us-open-lamar-hunt-cup-round-3">the intervening century since its founding</a>, the Open Cup has been somewhat neglected until recent years. Its present administrators, the US Soccer Federation, have at times treated it with what might be politely called "benign neglect", and while there's been a notable increase in its profile of late, especially in the recent years when MLS sides such as Seattle Sounders made it a vital part of their annual campaign targets, and with the recent addition of a Champions League spot for the winners, it's still a tournament that seems to exist under sufferance for the game's administrators and some of the coaches.</p><p>"The one thing that's been interesting this year has been that there've not really been a lot of difficult conversations, where I feel in the past there's been an expectation from a lot of players that they're going to play every match. And I don't feel that the group has felt that way this year. I feel that all of the players understand that they're not going to play every match, and that there's going to be rotation, and understand the reasons for this, as well as the fact that I think they have a lot of belief in the guys behind them, and a lot of belief in our collective mentality. We need a large number of players to contribute. So I think the guys that are out, they're not only as they may have been in the past, a little bit disappointed, or worrisome, or questioning the decision - they're actually supporting the guys on the field. So it's been a game come true for the coaching staff."</p><p>"You always get at least one game like that in the run, so after those first couple we thought, 'Maybe we've got <em>those</em> games out of the way now and we can have a more straightforward run' — by the time we played Portland in the semi-final we felt confident we could do what we needed to." </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/oct/01/dc-united-rsl-us-open-cup-100-years-preview">Continue reading...</a>US Open CupMLSFootballSportUS sportsReal Salt LakeDC UnitedTue, 01 Oct 2013 15:12:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/oct/01/dc-united-rsl-us-open-cup-100-years-previewPhotograph: Frank Gunn/APCan DC United rescue a wretched season against Real Salt Lake in the 100th US Open Cup final? Photograph: Frank Gunn/APPhotograph: Frank Gunn/APCan DC United rescue a wretched season against Real Salt Lake in the 100th US Open Cup final? Photograph: Frank Gunn/APGraham Parker in Salt Lake City2013-10-01T15:12:00ZUS Open Cup quarter-finals shed last non-MLS teams from competitionhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/jun/27/us-open-cup-quarter-final-roundup
• De Rosario scores another winner as DC United advance<br />• Chicago Fire await after big win over Orlando City<br />• Real Salt Lake to host Portland Timbers in all-MLS semis<p>DC United took another step toward salvaging a dreadful start to the 2013 season as they beat New England 3-1 to advance to the semi-finals of the US Open Cup, where they will meet Chicago Fire. Real Salt Lake and Portland Timbers complete an all-MLS semi-final round, after the USL Pro side Orlando City and NASL team Carolina Railhawks joined New England and Dallas in exiting at the quarter final stage.</p><p>DC fielded a strong side on a humid night at the Maryland Soccerplex – in keeping with their strong selections in previous rounds of the Cup. It's a sign of both how seriously the organization takes the trophy, and perhaps more pertinently, just how far adrift they were in the conference standings when the competition began. Just as significantly, Dwayne de Rosario has started in all three games the team has played so far, and after his hat trick heroics against Philadelphia in the fourth round, he got the winner again in the quarter finals – converting a rare set piece goal for DC by looping a header over Matt Reis with 20 minutes to go.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/jun/27/us-open-cup-quarter-final-roundup">Continue reading...</a>US Open CupMLSFootballUS sportsSportDC UnitedNew England RevolutionChicago FireFC DallasPortland TimbersReal Salt LakeThu, 27 Jun 2013 15:32:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/jun/27/us-open-cup-quarter-final-roundupPhotograph: Steve Griffin/APReal Salt Lake's Nat Borcers heads the ball away from Carolina Railhawks' Kupono Low during the US Open Cup. Photograph: Steve Griffin/APPhotograph: Steve Griffin/APReal Salt Lake's Nat Borcers heads the ball away from Carolina Railhawks' Kupono Low during the US Open Cup. Photograph: Steve Griffin/APGraham Parker at Maryland Soccerplex2013-06-27T15:32:00Z